What is fostering really like?
Welcome to Our Fostering Stories, a dedicated space on our fostering website where we share inspiring case studies and news articles about the incredible journeys of our foster carers and the children they support. Here, you’ll find heartfelt stories that highlight the transformative impact of fostering within our community. From personal experiences of foster families to updates on our latest initiatives, Our Fostering Stories aims to inform, inspire, and celebrate the remarkable efforts of those involved in fostering. Dive in to learn more about the lives touched by fostering and how you can be a part of this life-changing journey.
Read our stories and news articles…
August Newsletter
Catch up with our activities and learn more from one of our amazing foster carers
Meet Holly Marlow
Children’s books that help explain foster care and adoption.
Jacqueline’s Story
Get to know Jacqueline, a foster carer for Gloucestershire County Council
July Newsletter
Find out more about our Jump into Fostering campaign and meet Karen
Jo & Martin’s Story
Meet Jo and Martin, foster carers for North Somerset Council
Wes’ Story
Get to know Wes, a foster carer for South Gloucestershire Council
Dave & Anne’s Story
Learn more about Dave and Anne’s fostering story for B&NES
Mood Bears
We are proud to announce our brand partnership with Mood Bears, find out more about their involvement in fostering
Access the Fostering South West Podcast…
The national shortage of foster carers: Episode 5
In this episode we’re joined by Katie, Team Manager for Foster for East Midlands Councils In this we discuss the national issues around fostering and the approaches regions are taking to tackle this.
Fostering Teenagers: Episode 4
Meet Linda, a Gloucestershire foster carer who’s supported over 30 young people. She shares her love for fostering teens, how her background in education shaped her journey, and the small moments that make a big impact.
The support available to local council foster carers: Episode 3
Plymouth City Council Supervising Social Worker Jo shares practical foster care tips as well as detail around the vital support local councils offer foster carers.
The Power of Relationships: Episode 2
Meet Pete, a Mockingbird Hub Home Carer for Devon County Council. Discover how the Mockingbird Model builds stronger support networks for foster families
Watch our carers and young people share their experiences…
Little Moments: Linda’s fostering story
A Gloucestershire County Council foster carer shares their fostering “little moments”.
Little Moments: Jo & Martin’s Fostering Story
Two North Somerset Council foster carers share their fostering “little moments”.
Little Moments: Wes’ Fostering Story
A South Gloucestershire Council foster carer shares their fostering “little moments”.
Little Moments: Joe’s Fostering Story
A Wiltshire Council foster carer shares their fostering “little moments”.
Archive
June Newsletter (written)
Foster Care Fortnight 2025 (written)
The Fostering South West Podcast – Local Council Fostering Myths Busted: Episode 1 (video)
May Newsletter (written)
April Newsletter (written)
March Newsletter (written)
Fostering Celebration Event (written)
Rhian’s Story – Gloucestershire County Council (written)
Daniel’s Story – Bath and North East Somerset Council (written)
Duniya’s Story – Bristol City Council (written)
A day in the life (written)
February Newsletter (written)
January Newsletter (written)
December Newsletter (written)
November Newsletter (written)
The fostering journey – saying goodbye (video)
Chris’ Story (written)
Read our October newsletter (written)
Children of Foster Carers month – Bristol City Council (video)
My proud fostering moments – Wiltshire Council (video)
Children of Foster Carers month (video)
My proud fostering moments – Wiltshire Council (video)
10 years of fostering – South Gloucestershire Council (written)
Fostering South West celebrates six months since launch (written)
Spencer’s proud fostering moments – Wiltshire Council (video)
Fostering Moments – Dorset Council (Written)
Why we foster siblings – Dorset Council (Written)
Charlotte’s proud fostering moments – Wiltshire Council (video)
Why do you foster – Cornwall Council (video)
Read our July newsletter (written)
Read our August newsletter (written)
Read our September newsletter (written)
Want to know more?
If you’d like to find out more, and to speak to one of our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch…